I would like to address a couple of comments made on our short film. I do not, by any stretch of the imagination, believe that children should be encouraged to fight and further take great umbrage with any who would imply that I ever would. What I do believe is that people should be encouraged to stand up for themselves and not be controlled by the bullies of the world.

As I’ve stated elsewhere, although a particular piece deals with an particular issue that does not mean that it is advocating the negative aspects of that subject. Conversely, exposing the subject allows it to be discussed, hopefully in a rational and productive manner. As an example, the film “Precious” exposes child abuse and incest. No reasonable nor responsible person could think that “Precious” advocates in favor of the topics it so couragously dealt with.

In “Drama,” the Auntie is by never meant to be a role model and is not presented as such. No one could possibly feel this film is a lesson in good parenting. At the end of the fight, Drama does not throw up her hands in victory, she is not raised upon the shoulders of her peers, they are not chanting her name in support, she doesn’t embrace her Auntie and does not look happy even with her Aunties praise. And if you missed incredible talent and nuance of the wonderful young actress Ann Woodward performance, when she looks in the mirror it’s a bittersweet recognition that she does indeed have inner strength. This was a critical and quite deliberate choice in the story. There is no smile, no gloating, there was no satisfaction in her triumph yet, perhaps for the first time in her life, Drama realizes that doesn’t need to run, doesn’t have to hide, and has the strength and courage to no longer be victim. One may argue that her path to self discovery was an unpleasant one but often in both life and art, that path is.

A huge thanks to everyone who has been supporting our piece and who understood it without explanation.

One Response to "Open Letter Regarding “Drama”"

I appreciate the open letter of explanation, although I didn’t need it. I went through this drama as a young mother myself. I had to encourage my offspring to be strong and know that your worth is just as valuable as anyone else’s.

Bullying has not gone away. Every point brought out in this open letter is worth considering. I applaud the short film “Drama” and encourage others to have an open mind when dealing with issues of life, there is always an underlying current that need be explored.

Keep up the good work. I would like to see more real life issues dealt with right here on the UNDERGROUND planet.

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